Dispenser and Measuring Cap Device and Method

ABSTRACT

Spill and contaminant resistant dispensers and measuring cap devices and methods for measuring and dispensing a desired amount of a bulk particulate, powdery, granular or viscous liquid substance from a storage container through a cap or a dispenser are provided. A dispenser and measuring cap is attached to a storage container or comprises an integral storage container. The dispenser and measuring cap has one or more measuring chamber ducts, each having a different predetermined volume. The measuring chamber ducts are selectively and separately operationally aligned with an internal funnel stem and a dispensing spout. A selected measuring chamber duct is filled with the substance by inverting the cap and attached container. A measured amount of the substance is captured and dispensed, and the unused portion of the substance retained in the storage container without exposure to outside contaminants or implements, by rotating the duct into operational alignment with the spout.

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/964,709, filed Aug. 12, 2013, and of Ser. No. 14/220,290,filed Mar. 20, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF USE

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of closures forstorage containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toa spill- and contamination-resistant dispenser and measuring cap foraccurately measuring and dispensing a specific amount of a bulksubstance from a storage container such as a bottle, jar, canister, jug,can and/or carton.

BACKGROUND

Many common food products, medicines, medicaments and other consumablesubstances are frequently stored in bulk quantities using relativelysmall, easily portable storage containers such as bottles, jars andcanisters by individuals, retailers, and health care facilities forlater dispensation, administration and/or use. Substances commonlystored in bulk are usually particulate, powdery, and/or granularsubstances such as medicines, medicaments, thickeners, baby formula,protein powders, coffee, sweeteners and other dry goods, but may alsocomprise viscous liquid substances such as cough syrups, honey, babyfoods or fluid gels.

The accurate measuring and dispensation of a specific amount of asubstance stored in bulk typically necessitates the use of at least fourseparate items, including (1) a storage container containing a substanceto be measured and dispensed, (2) a closure for sealing the storagecontainer and protecting the contents thereof from contamination andaccidental spillage, (3) a measuring device (e.g., a measuring spoon orbeaker) for measuring out a specific amount of the substance, and (4) areceiving container (e.g., a cup or bottle) for administering themeasured amount of the substance dispensed. The need for so manyseparate items can make the measuring and dispensing of specific amountsof bulk substances both difficult and time consuming because it requiresa user to hold and/or manipulate multiple articles, either sequentially(by placing each item on a working surface when not in use, which isslower) or simultaneously (which while faster, is awkward and increasesthe risk of spilling the substance).

A fifth article for facilitating the transfer of the bulk substance fromthe storage container to the receiving container (e.g., a funnel) isalso commonly used in applications where the opening (i.e., “mouth”) ofthe receiving container is particularly narrow or small compared to themeasuring device or the opening of the storage container. However, theuse of additional articles or tools to facilitate dispensation andadministration increases the number of steps, risk of error and timerequired to achieve successful dispensation and administration of ameasured amount of a substance, which can be problematic in situationswhere ease, consistency and speed of delivery are important.

These problems and risks can be further exacerbated by the use oftraditional, reusable, open-top measuring devices, including measuringspoons, cups and beakers, because such devices are inaccurate,unreliable and susceptible to user error, which makes them inconsistentand prone to spilling. Such measuring devices also render the measuredportion of the substance being dispensed, as well as the bulk portionremaining in the storage container, vulnerable to contamination bymoisture, foreign substances, spoilage organisms and pathogens, which isespecially problematic in the healthcare industry where accuracy andconsistency of measurement, purity of substance, and avoidance ofnosocomial infection is vital. In sum, traditional devices and methodsfor dispensing measured amounts of bulk substances are cumbersome,imprecise, inconsistent and subject the substance being dispensed to theneedless risk of contamination and spoilage.

Various solutions to these problems have been proposed and foundunsatisfactory. For example, omitting the use of a measuring device bysimply pouring a bulk substance directly from a storage container into areceiving container (with or without the aid of a facilitating devicesuch as a funnel) does not solve the foregoing deficiencies because thismethod prevents measurement and control of the amount being dispensed,and still exposes the substance to air, moisture, and othercontaminants.

Additionally, some newer types of storage container closures having dualfunctions are known. For example, the caps provided with containers ofsome ingestible consumer products (e.g., cough syrup, mouth wash) serveboth to seal the container when attached and as a dosing device whenremoved. These dosing caps allow the user to measure out and administera predetermined volume of product into the cap when the cap is removedfrom the bottle. However, dosing caps are common fomites and must becleaned prior to replacement of the cap on the storage container inorder to prevent the transmission of germs spread to the cap by theuser. Otherwise, any residual product inside the cap can migratedownward onto the exterior of the container, resulting in unwanted mess.Examples of dosing caps may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,126 toBucherer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,249 to Grosse, and U.S. Pat. No.5,865,331 to Jacobs et al.

Another newer type of closure facilitates the measurement anddispensation of a substance from a storage container without removingthe cap. Some examples of these types of dispenser caps may be found inU.S. Pat. No. 2,748,995 to Hightower et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,834,519 toMiller et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,343 to Mask, U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,219to Robbins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,302 to Fisscher et al., U.S. Pat.No. 6,422,426 to Robins, III et al., and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2001/0030165A1 to Jacobs et al. One problem common to these types of dispenser capsis that they generally permit the manifestation of a direct,unobstructed channel or path between the interior of the storagecontainer to which the cap is attached and the external environment atsome point during their operation. This makes such caps prone toaccidental spillage and contamination of the contents of the storagecontainer by various external sources.

Although storage container and closure designers and manufacturers havedeveloped many different variations of dosing caps and dispenser caps,there remains a need and a demand for a convenient, inexpensive, andeasy to use spill- and contamination-resistant dispenser and measuringcap closure that can seal and protect the contents of a container fromcontamination by moisture, foreign substances and microorganisms duringstorage and use, and accurately, precisely and consistently measure anddispense a specific amount of a bulk substance from a container to whichit is attached in one or more predetermined volumes corresponding tocommonly prescribed amounts for a given substance.

The dispenser and measuring cap device disclosed herein satisfies thisneed through the provision of a single unitary closure for controlledmeasuring and dispensing of a substance from a storage container. Thefeatures and details of the device are listed and discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides convenient, easy to use, and inexpensivespill- and contamination-resistant dispensers and measuring cap devicesand methods for measuring and dispensing a specific amount of a bulkparticulate, powdery, granular or viscous liquid substance from astorage container through a cap. While there are many containers thatmay benefit from this disclosure, the disclosure is particularly usefulwith relatively small, hand-held and easily movable storage containerscommonly found in modern homes, including bottles, jars, canisters,jugs, cans and/or cartons. The dispensers and measuring cap devices andmethods of the present disclosure eliminate or significantly reduce thespillage and attendant waste inherent to dispensing a substance throughthe dosage and dispensing caps of the prior art. The devices and methodsof the present disclosure also provide for simple, accurate andconsistent measurement and dispensing of a prescribed amount of aparticular substance using one or more measuring chamber ducts havingdifferent predetermined volumes without exposing the substance beingdispensed or remaining in the storage container to unnecessaryenvironmental, microbiological and foreign-object contamination.Suitable substances include particulate, powdery, granular, viscousliquid and fluid gel substances. In some embodiments, the substance tobe measured and dispensed is stored in the container in bulk quantitiesfor periodic dispensation.

The dispenser and measuring cap is releasably attached or integrallyformed to a storage container. The device comprises one or moremeasuring chamber ducts, each having a different predetermined volume.In use, a selected measuring chamber duct is rotated into operationalalignment with an internal funnel stem to fill the duct and then rotatedout of alignment with the funnel stem and into alignment with adispensing spout to dispense the substance. A selected measuring chamberduct placed in operational (i.e., vertical) alignment with the funnelstem is filled with the substance by inverting the dispenser andmeasuring cap device and attached container. A measured amount of thesubstance is captured for dispensing by sequentially rotating the ductout of vertical alignment with the funnel stem and into alignment with adispensing spout. The unused portion of the substance is retained in thestorage container without exposure to outside contaminants orimplements.

In one aspect, the dispenser and measuring cap device of the presentdisclosure provides a device, which when sealably engaged with orotherwise attached to a storage container containing a particulate orviscous liquid substance and properly aligned and inverted, captures inan internal measuring chamber duct a precise amount of the substancefrom the storage container for dispensation through a spout in theproximal end piece of the device. More specifically, once the internalmeasuring chamber duct inside the cap is operationally aligned with aninterior funnel and inverted, gravity causes the substance to passthrough the funnel and fill the duct. The measuring chamber duct is thenclosed and/or sealed off from the rest of the substance remaining in thestorage container and a specific amount is measured out by activating adivider built into the cap to rotate the duct housed therein away fromthe funnel stem. The measured amount of the substance is then dispensedby rotating the internal measuring chamber duct into operationalalignment with a separate closeable spout that extends axially from thetop surface of the cap and on an opposite side from the funnel stem(i.e., the funnel stem and coverable spout are not vertically alignedand are unable to be placed in communication without the aid of themeasuring chamber duct).

The dispenser and measuring cap dispenses only the measured amount ofthe substance captured by the internal measuring chamber duct andretains and protects the remainder of the substance in the storagecontainer from contamination by preventing the formation of a directchannel or path between the interior of the storage container and theexternal environment during all points of operation. These features ofthe invention allow a user to conveniently and easily (even singlehandedly) measure out and dispense a precise amount of a substance froma bulk storage container without exposing the unused portion of thesubstance to contamination, using only a single unitary item. Themultifunctional design of the dispenser and measuring cap of the presentdisclosure also eliminates the need for a separate awkward measuringdevice that must be cleaned after each use.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for one-handedlymeasuring and dispensing from a storage container a consistentlyaccurate, specific amount of a bulk substance by sealably attaching adispenser and measuring cap of the present disclosure to the opening ormouth of a storage container containing a particulate, powdery and/orgranular, viscous liquid or fluid gel substance, arranging an internalmeasuring chamber duct into operational alignment an internal funnel,inverting the storage container to load a the measuring chamber ductwith the substance, rotating the duct around a central axis to measureout a specific desired amount of the substance and put the duct intooperational alignment with an external spout extending axially upwardfrom the top surface of the cap, and dispensing the measured amount ofthe substance captured by the measuring chamber duct through the spoutinto a receiving container.

In some embodiments, the dispenser and measuring cap is a device thatcan be threaded onto or otherwise releasably yet sealably attached to astorage container for safe and reliable storage, measuring anddispensing of a specific amount of a particular substance from thestorage container. In certain implementations, the dispenser andmeasuring cap is also configured with a handle for a user to graspduring operation and use as well as one or more flexible bracing armsadapted to receive and retain a separate disposable storage container,such as a disposable baby formula container.

In other embodiments, the dispenser and measuring cap comprises adispenser having an integral storage container. The container can besubstantially cylindrical shaped or tapered toward the top, and cancomprise a handle for a user to grasp while operating the dispenser ordispensing a substance. In certain embodiments, the integral containercomprises an opening or mouth in its bottom end to permit the containerto be refilled with a substance for later dispensation. The containercan also comprise a separate lid adapted to releasably yet sealablyengage the opening or mouth in the bottom end. The container lid cancomprise means for allowing a user to easily grasp and manipulate thelid, as well as means for receiving and stably holding the dispenser inan upside-down or inverted orientation during refilling.

In one embodiment, the dispenser and measuring cap device comprises ameasuring chamber duct having a predetermined volume. In anotherembodiment, the dispenser and measuring cap device comprises a pluralityof measuring chamber ducts, each having a different predeterminedvolume. In yet another embodiment, the dispenser and measuring capdevice comprises at least one measuring chamber having a variable volumethat is adjustable by a user. In some embodiments, the predeterminedvolume of a given measuring chamber duct corresponds to the generallyrecommended and/or prescribed dosing amount for common particulate,powdery, and/or granular, viscous liquid or fluid gel food products,dietary supplements, medicines and other consumable substances,including without limitation, baby formula, viscous baby foods, proteinpowders, coffee, sweeteners, cough syrups, honey, baby foods, fluid gelssuch as analgesic gels, and food additives and thickeners for treatingdysphagia and similar conditions.

In some additional embodiments, the divider for measuring andtransferring an amount of a substance from a storage container to thespout for dispensation may be activated by turning, twisting or rotatingthe divider around a central axis extending axially through thedispenser and measuring cap. In other embodiments, the divider maycomprise an arm or tab-shaped member that extends or protrudes from anexternal surface or rim of the cap or dispenser. In some embodiments,the arm or tab-shaped member is positioned on the exterior rim of thedivider at a point radial from the central axis to the internalmeasuring chamber duct relative to the central axis to facilitatealignment of the duct with the dispensing spout and funnel.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure, together withvarious embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood by thoseskilled in the art with reference to the following detailed description,claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective top view of a dispenser and measuring capconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of the dispenser and measuring capof FIG. 1 attached to a cylindrical storage container;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective bottom view of the dispenser and measuringcap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the dispenser and measuring cap of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispenser and measuring cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded bottom view of the dispenser and measuring capof FIG. 1 and a storage container;

FIG. 7 shows an exploded top view of the dispenser and measuring cap ofFIG. 1 and a storage container;

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway partially exploded bottom view of the dispenserand measuring cap of FIG. 1 with a storage container; and

FIG. 9 shows a perspective top view of an alternate embodiment of adivider for use in a dispenser and measuring cap disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of adispenser and measuring cap constructed in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispenserhaving an integral reusable storage container.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a detail view of the dispenser of FIG. 11 showing a retainingbracket and hingedly attached dispensing spout cap mounted on theproximal end piece.

FIG. 14 is a second detail view of the dispenser of FIG. 11 showing howthe retaining bracket and dispensing spout cap is slidably disengagedfrom the proximal end piece.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded top view of the dispenser of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded bottom view of the dispenser of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 shows a cutaway view of the upper portion of the integralstorage container of the dispenser of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the interior surface of a lid for areusable storage container.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 11 being heldin an inverted position by a dispenser stand formed on the interiorsurface of a reusable storage container lid.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 11 being held in aninverted position by a dispenser stand formed on the interior surface ofa reusable storage container lid.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of abracket with a fingerhold grip.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of adivider for use in a dispenser and measuring cap disclosed herein.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of adispenser stand formed on the interior surface of a reusable storagecontainer lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, an inexpensive and easy touse unitary dispenser and measuring cap closure designed to sealablyengage a storage container and accurately and consistently measure anddispense a desired amount of substance therefrom is provided. In oneembodiment, the amount dispensed is a single dose or single serving ofsubstance. The presently disclosed dispenser and measuring cap device isa type of closure that attaches to the opening or mouth of various typesof relatively small containers commonly used in homes, retailestablishments and healthcare facilities to store food products, dietarysupplements, medicines and other consumable particulate, powdery, and/orgranular, viscous liquid or fluid gel substances in bulk quantities forperiodic dispensation and administration.

The dispenser and measuring cap device solves the problems of manydosing and dispensing caps by providing an inexpensive device that ismore convenient and easier to use, the device being operable toaccurately measure and dispense a substance with only one hand once itis attached to an appropriate storage container. The present dispenserand measuring cap also provides for more accurate and consistent,reliable measurement and dispensing of a desired amount of particulate,powdery, granular or viscous liquid substances through the use of one ormore completely enclosed internal measuring chamber ducts havingpredetermined volumes to capture and segregate a desired amount of thesubstance to be dispensed from the unused portion of the substanceremaining in the container. The devices disclosed herein further improveover the art by simultaneously sealing and protecting the contents of acontainer from inadvertent spillage and contamination by moisture,foreign substances and microorganisms during use and/or storage throughnonlinear vertical positioning and separation of the two primaryapertures for independently loading the internal measuring chamber ductwith a measured amount of a substance and dispensing the substance fromthe duct through the device to a receiving container.

More specifically, the internal aperture through which a measuringchamber duct is filled with a substance from the storage container(i.e., a funnel stem) and the external spout through which the substanceis dispensed are not vertically or operationally aligned. Rather, thetwo are disposed on opposite sides of a central axis extendingvertically through the device and are separated by an interveningdivider so that they cannot be placed in communication and/oroperational alignment with each other without the aid of an internalmeasuring chamber duct contained within the intervening divider.Additionally, the funnel stem is not and cannot be vertically oroperationally aligned with the external spout through which thesubstance is dispensed to create a direct passage or channel between theinterior of the storage container and the external environment. Theintervening divider containing an internal measuring chamber duct thusfunctions as a barrier or obstruction to prevent spilling andcontamination of the contents of the container, as well as a measuringdevice and a shuttlecock for measuring out and transferring a measuredamount of a substance from the storage container through the funnel stemto the spout. The internal measuring chamber duct is integral to theintervening divider and is moved between a first filling or loadingposition in operational alignment with the funnel stem and a seconddispensing position in operational alignment with the external spout bygrasping an external rim of the divider and turning, twisting orrotating the divider around the central axis of the device. In this way,the present disclosure provides devices that are both spill resistantand contamination resistant.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, a dispenser and measuring cap device 1of the present disclosure is a closure for a storage container andcomprises a proximal end 9, a distal end 11, a divider 30 disposedbetween the proximal and distal ends, and an axle 22 extending throughand connecting the proximal end, distal end, and divider along a centeraxis 1 a (see FIG. 8). The proximal end 9 comprises a proximal end piece10 comprising a closeable dispensing spout 14, a dispensing spout cap15, an internal surface 10 a and an external surface 10 b (see FIGS.6-7). The closeable dispensing spout 14 is positioned off-center fromthe center axis 1 a of the device 1 and comprises an inlet 14 a disposedon and flush with the internal surface 10 a of the proximal end piece10, and an outlet 14 b extending upward from the external surface 10 bof the proximal end piece 10 (see FIGS. 6-7). The outlet 14 b of thespout 14 may be any size and/or shape, but in one embodiment, the outlet14 b has a smaller diameter and/or circumference than the inlet 14 a.The dispensing spout cap 15 is attached to the external surface 10 b ofthe proximal end piece 10 of the device 1 and is adapted to releasablyclose, cover and seal the dispensing outlet 14 b of the dispensing spout14 (see FIGS. 4-5).

The distal end 11 of the dispenser and measuring cap device 1 comprisesan interface 12 adapted to releasably yet sealably engage the opening ormouth of an appropriate storage container 13. The interface 12 may beadapted to engage the storage container 13 with any means sufficient toform a seal capable of preventing the escape from or introduction intothe storage container 13, through the interface 12, of any substance orcontaminant during use or storage of the container while the device 1 isinstalled. Suitable means for sealably engaging (i.e., attaching) theinterface 12 of the device 1 with the opening or mouth of a storagecontainer 13 include, for example, screw threads, latches, insets,snaps, clips, tape, adhesive, nesting diameter, interlockingcomplementary geometry and the like. In one embodiment (not shown), thestorage container 13 and the dispenser and measuring cap device 1 aremolded as a single piece. In an alternate embodiment (See FIGS. 15-16),a storage container is molded as a single piece with the interface. Insome embodiments, the dispenser and measuring cap device 1 includes anintegral storage container comprising a separate opening for filling thecontainer with a substance and a removable lid 16, 55 (see FIGS. 6-8,12, 15-16) adapted to sealingly yet releasably engage the opening. Inone embodiment, the dispenser and measuring cap is made of plastic orcopolyester, such as, for example, Tritan PX1001 made by EastmanChemical Company.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, the interface 12 further comprises a lowerside 12 a, and an outside 12 b adapted to be gripped and manipulated bya user. The lower side 12 a of the interface 12 comprises a shallowinterface funnel 12 c facing the inside of the storage container 13. Theshallow funnel 12 c has a wide mouth 12 d that slopes away from theinside of the storage container and defines a short funnel stem 12 ethrough which the substance to be dispensed must pass. The funnel stem12 e is positioned off-center from the center axis 1 a of the device 1and extends upward from the wide mouth 12 d toward the proximal end 9 ofthe device 1 to the divider 30. In some embodiments, the funnel stem 12e and closeable dispensing spout 14 are disposed on opposite sides of acentral axis from each other. In one embodiment, the short funnel stem12 e is omitted and the interface funnel 12 c resolves as a simpleaperture or hole having no significant depth (not shown). In someembodiments, the wide mouth 12 d is substantially the same size anddiameter as the opening or mouth of the storage container 13. In otherembodiments, the wide mouth 12 d may have a larger or smaller size anddiameter than the opening or mouth of the storage container 13. Theinterface 12 also comprises an upper side 12 f opposite the interfacefunnel 12 c. In some embodiments, the upper side 12 f is sloped toreflect the inverted slope of the interface funnel 12 c as shown in FIG.7. In other embodiments, the upper side 12 f is flat (not shown) andsubstantially contacts the lower internal surface 30 c of the divider 30(i.e., the upper side 12 f does not reflect the inverted slope of theinterface funnel 12 c shown in FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a divider 30 having an external rim 30 bis disposed between the spout 14 of the proximal end 9 and the interface12 of the distal end 11. In one embodiment, the divider 30 is shapedlike a disc and is circumscribed by the external rim 30 b. The divider30 is also penetrated axially by at least one measuring chamber duct 30a having a discernible length and/or depth defining a predeterminedinternal volume equal to a single dose or single serving of a substanceto be measured and dispensed. For example, in one embodiment, theinternal volume defined by the measuring chamber duct 30 a equals asingle dose or single serving for a particular brand of baby formulabeing measured and dispensed by the dispenser and measuring cap device 1of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the divider is made ofcopolyester Tritan PX1001 or the same material as the dispenser andmeasuring cap device and, in other embodiments, the divider is made ofan alternative material to the dispenser and measuring cap device, suchas, for example, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene).

In another embodiment, the measuring chamber duct 30 a is a cylindricalpipe passing through the divider 30. In yet another embodiment, themeasuring chamber duct 30 a has an elliptical, square, rectangular ortriangular shape. In still yet another embodiment, the measuring chamberduct 30 a is defined by a void cut out from an otherwise solid divider30. In even yet another embodiment, the measuring chamber duct 30 a isthe same shape and size as the funnel stem 12 e defined by the terminalend of the interface funnel 12 c. In other embodiments, the divider 30may comprise a plurality of measuring chamber ducts 311 (see FIG. 9)and/or more than one spout 14 (not shown). In a related embodiment, eachmeasuring chamber duct of the plurality 311 has a different size andvolume.

In some embodiments, the external rim 30 b of the divider 30 may bemarked with indicia or labels to assist a user in determining thespecific volume(s) of one or more measuring chamber ducts 30 a, 311. Inrelated embodiments, the external rim 30 b of the divider 30 may beturned or “dialed” by a user to select a desired amount of substance tobe measured and dispensed according to, in some embodiments, indicia orlabels which may be present on the exterior surface 12 b of theinterface 12, the proximal end piece 10 of the device 1, the externalrim 30 b of the divider 30, and/or on the container 13. In someembodiments, the outside rim 30 b of the divider 30 may be marked orlabeled to indicate whether a measuring chamber duct 30 a is inoperational alignment with the funnel stem 12 e or spout 14. Inadditional embodiments, the indicia are legible from both an inverted orupright position.

As also shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the proximal end piece 10 of thedispenser and measuring cap device 1 is attached to the interface 12 byan axle 22. In one embodiment, the axle 22 passes through the divider 30along the center axis 1 a in such a way so as to enable the divider 30to spin, turn, twist or rotate on the axle 22 relative to the proximalend piece 10 and the interface 12. Other means of attachment may beappropriate so long as the divider 30 and its integral measuring chamberduct 30 a may rotate about the center axis 1 a. In another embodiment,the overall diameter of the divider 30 is greater than the overalldiameters of both the proximal end piece 10 and the interface 12, sothat the divider 30 transects the dispenser and measuring cap device 1.In yet another embodiment, the external rim 30 b of the divider 30extends radially beyond and overlaps the respective adjacent edges ofthe proximal end piece 10 and the interface 12, thereby providing acomfortable area for a user to grip and easily rotate the divider 30 andthe integral measuring chamber duct 30 a therein. In this way, thedivider 30 serves as an intervening barrier between the funnel stem 12 eand the dispensing spout 14 and protects the contents of an attachedstorage container 13 from spillage and contamination by preventinguncontrolled communication between the two.

In some embodiments, the axle 22 comprises a locking mechanism 22 a thatextends downward internally from the internal surface 10 a of theproximal end piece 10 through the divider 30 to connect the proximal endpiece 10 to the interface 12. In other embodiments, the lockingmechanism 22 a also inhibits the divider 30 from rotating beyond aparticular position or completely inhibits all rotation of the divider30. In an alternate embodiment, the internal surface 10 a of theproximal end piece 10 comprises a stop member 10 c against which themeasuring chamber duct 30 a of the divider 30 may abut to inhibit therotation of the measuring chamber duct 30 a to less than 360 degrees,including, in one embodiment, to approximately 180 degrees, and therebyfacilitate precise alignment of the measuring chamber duct 30 a with thedispensing spout 14 and the funnel stem 12 e. In another embodiment, thestop member 10 c facilitates precise operational alignment of themeasuring chamber duct 30 a with the dispensing spout 14 and the funnelstem 12 e by limiting the rotation of the duct to an angle defined bythe spout 14 at a first position and the stem 12 e at a second position.

As shown in FIG. 8, the spout 14 and the funnel stem 12 e are disposedwithin the device 1 on opposite sides of a central axis 1 a at an angleof about 180 degrees to each other. The spout 14 and the funnel stem 12e cannot be vertically or operationally aligned to create a directpassage or channel between the interior of the storage container 13through the funnel stem 12 e and the external environment through thedispensing spout 14. Additionally, the measuring chamber duct cannot beoperationally aligned (i.e., communicatively aligned in whole or part soas to allow the transfer of a substance from or through the alignedmembers) with both the funnel stem 12 e and the spout 14 at the sametime. This arrangement makes the formation of a clear passage betweenthe interior of the storage container 13 and the external environmentimpossible, thus all but eliminating the risk of accidental spillage andthe contamination of the contents of the container 13 by precluding theuncontrolled passage of materials (including the substance to bedispensed and contaminants) through device 1. Indeed, measurement anddispensing of a substance from the storage container can only beachieved by moving the measuring chamber duct 30 a in and out ofoperational alignment with first the funnel stem 12 e of the interfacefunnel 12 c and then the dispensing spout 14 by turning, twisting orrotating the external rim 30 b of the divider 30.

The measuring chamber duct 30 a must be operatively aligned with thefunnel stem 12 e to funnel the substance from the opening of the storagecontainer 13 through the interface funnel 12 c into the measuringchamber duct 30 a. If the measuring chamber duct 30 a is not operativelyaligned (i.e., not at least partially vertically aligned) with the stem12 e of the interface funnel 12 c, the funnel stem 12 e will remainclosed and sealed off at its proximal end by the flat lower internalsurface 30 c of the divider 30. Coordinately, in embodiments where theupper side 12 f of the interface 12 is flat, the measuring chamber duct30 a will remain closed and sealed off from the storage container 13 atits distal end by the flat upper side 12 f of the interface 12 while itis not operatively aligned with the funnel stem 12 e.

A quantity of substance is loaded into the measuring chamber duct 30 afrom the storage container 13 by inverting the device 1 and storagecontainer 13. Gravity forces the substance through the interface funnel12 c and funnel stem 12 e into the measuring chamber duct 30 a to thepoint of overflowing. Measurement and dispensation of a precisepredetermined amount of the substance is then achieved by manipulatingthe external rim 30 b of the divider 30 to rotate the measuring chamberduct 30 a out of operational alignment with the funnel stem 12 e at afirst position and into operational alignment with the spout 14 at asecond position. The movement of the measuring chamber duct 30 a out ofalignment with the funnel stem 12 e causes the excess substanceoverflowing the measuring chamber duct 30 a to be scraped off by aninternal edge of the funnel stem 12 e as the measuring chamber duct 30 arotates out of operational alignment. Excess substance falls back intothe storage container 13 while the amount of substance to be dispensedis captured by the measuring chamber duct 30 a and prohibited frombackflowing into the storage container 13.

When the measuring chamber duct 30 a is not operationally aligned withthe spout 14, the measuring chamber duct 30 a is closed and sealed offat its proximal end by the flat internal surface 10 a of the proximalend piece 10 of the device 1. Thus, dispensation of the measured amountof substance requires rotation of the measuring chamber duct 30 a intooperational alignment with the spout 14. Once the measuring chamber duct30 a and the spout are operational aligned, the measured amount ofsubstance will fall out of the measuring chamber duct 30 a into theinlet 14 a of the closeable dispensing spout 14. In one embodiment, theinlet 14 a of the spout 14 has the same size and shape as the measuringchamber duct 30 a. The spout cap 15 must be removed from the dispensingspout 14 to dispense the measured amount of substance into a receivingcontainer (i.e., the spout must be open and not closed). However, if thespout cap 15 is opened or the outlet 14 b of the spout 14 is otherwisenot closed or sealed when the measuring chamber duct 30 a is full ofsubstance and operationally aligned with the spout inlet 14 a, invertingthe storage container 13 and device 1 will transfer the substance out ofthe measuring chamber duct 30 a, through the spout 14 and into areceiving container (not shown) in the same step.

The dispenser and measuring cap device 1 of the present disclosuretherefore prevents any substance from exiting the storage container 13unless it is (1) poured from the storage container 13 into the interfacefunnel 12 c, (2) transferred from the interface funnel 12 c through thefunnel stem 12 e into the measuring chamber duct 30 a, (3) rotated withthe measuring chamber duct 30 a into operational alignment with thespout inlet 14 a, and (5) poured through the spout outlet 14 b out of anopen spout 14. Conversely, the only way for contaminants and foreignmatter to reach the bulk substance in the storage container 13 is bypassing through the same steps in reverse order. While a user may easilyaccomplish each of these steps by purposely inverting the presentlydisclosed device 1 and twisting the divider rim 30 b, it is highlyimprobable that these steps could be accomplished inadvertently.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the dispenser and measuringcap device 1 further comprises a handle 45 and a support frame 40attached to the interface 12. The support frame 40 is configured withone or more braces or retaining arms 41, 42 for receiving and retaininga separate storage container. The upper portion of the frame 40 near theinterface 12 is configured with a wide opening 43 so as to allow a userto easily insert and engage a storage container to the interface 12. Thebraces or retaining arms 41, 42 are formed of a resilient yet flexiblematerial to allow a user to spread the braces to accept a storagecontainer. Once a container is positioned between the braces 41, 42, thebraces will return to their original position and retain the containerstably in place against the frame 40 during use. In another embodiment(not shown), the braces can be a single deformable arm such as anelastic band or other similar member formed from a stretchy member thatcan retain a storage container in position against the frame 40 duringuse. An integral handle 45 is attached to the frame 40 and interface 12to allow a user to comfortably, conveniently and accurately hold andoperate the dispenser and measuring cap device 1 with only one hand. Thedispenser and measuring cap device can also comprise a closeabledispensing spout. The spout can be positioned at any point on theuppermost surface of the proximal end piece relative to the handle. Insome embodiments, the spout is positioned on the proximal end piece at apoint near the handle. In other embodiments, the spout is positionedopposite the handle (not shown).

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-17, the disclosure provides ahandheld dispenser 100 comprising a reusable storage container 50, aremovable container lid 55, a proximal end piece 80, a divider 70disposed between and adjacent to the container 50 and the end piece 80,a central axle 60 protruding upward from an upper portion of thecontainer 50 and extending through the divider 70 and end piece 80 alonga central axis 65, and a removable retaining bracket 90 adapted toreleasably yet retainingly engage the uppermost end of the central axle60 to the proximal end piece 80. In some embodiments, the axle may beomitted.

In some embodiments, the reusable storage container 50 is moldedtogether as one piece with an interface as described above. As shown inFIGS. 15-17, in other embodiments, the interior upper portion of thereusable storage container 50 comprises a wide-mouthed funnel 53 thatslopes upward away from the inside of the container 50. The funnel 53resolves into a funnel aperture 54 that is positioned off-center fromthe central axis 65 of the dispenser 100 and at the same height as theperimeter wall 66 of the container 50. In one embodiment, the funnelaperture 54 is defined by a short funnel stem. In another embodiment,the funnel aperture 54 is a simple hole with no substantial depth. Asshown in FIG. 15, the exterior of the upper portion of the container 50reflects the inverted slope of the funnel 53. The portion of theinverted funnel 53 that slopes away from the funnel aperture 54 iscircumscribed by the upwardly extending perimeter wall 66 of thecontainer 50. The container perimeter wall 66 extends upwardly to auniform height above the inverted slope of the funnel 53 to define atrough or void adjacent the funnel aperture 54. Additionally, in someembodiments, the exterior circumference of the container 50 comprisesindicia indicating the position of the funnel aperture 54, thedispensing spout 85, or both. The indicia can be numbers, letters,geometric symbols or the like. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 12, theindicia is a vertical ridge or raised line 72 disposed on the externalsurface of the container 50.

In some embodiments, the exterior of the upper portion of the container50 further comprises one or more stop blocks 51. In one embodiment, theone or more stop blocks 51 are disposed on either or both sides of thefunnel aperture 54. The stop blocks 51 are preferably arcuate in shape,but can be any shape sufficient to limit the rotation of a rotator stop77 disposed on and extending downwardly from the underside of anattached divider 70. The stop blocks 51 interact with the rotator stop77 to limit the rotation of the divider 70 around the central axis 65and facilitate the respective operational alignment of a measuringchamber duct 75 in the divider 70 with the funnel aperture 74 and adispensing spout 85.

The upper portion of the reusable storage container 50 further comprisesa central axle 60 that protrudes upwardly from the inverted slope of thefunnel 53 to a point above the height of the container perimeter wall66. The central axle 60 is designed to extend axially upward from theupper portion of the storage container 50 through the divider 70 and theproximal end piece 80 of the dispenser 100. The axle 60 comprises a baseportion 61 and an adjacent anchor portion 62 above the base portion. Thebase portion 61 extends from its base on the inverted slope of thefunnel 53 to a point above the perimeter wall 66, and can be generallycylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, the cylindrical base portion 61extends above the height of the perimeter wall 66 and through centerportion of the divider 70. The anchor portion 62 of the central axle 60extends from the base portion 61 through the proximal end piece 80. Theanchor portion 62 can have flat sides or a non-cylindrical, asymmetricor irregular shape. In one embodiment, the anchor portion 62 has agenerally rectangular shape, but is rounded on one end. The tip of theanchor portion 62 can be generally flat and can comprise one or morethin lock tabs 63, 64 that protrude radially outward from the flat sidesof the anchor portion 62. In some implementations, the lock tabs 63, 64protrude radially from the flat sides of the anchor portion 62 at anangle substantially perpendicular to the funnel aperture 54. In oneembodiment, the portion of the central axle 60 comprising the lock tabs63, 64 extends above the external surface of the proximal end piece 80so that a small gap sufficient to receive and engage a retaining bracket90 is created between the underside of the lock tabs 63, 64 and thesurface of the proximal end piece 80. In another embodiment, the anchorportion of the axle comprises screw threads for receiving a retainingmember to hold the components of the device together.

Turning to FIG. 16, the divider 70 is a generally circular memberdesigned to be disposed on the upper portion of the reusable storagecontainer 50 between the container and the proximal end piece 80. Thedivider 70 comprises a central axle port 76 adapted to receive thecentral axle 60. In some embodiments, the axle port 76 is the same shapeas the base portion 61 of the central axle 60. In one embodiment, theaxle port 76 is substantially circular. In certain embodiments, thedivider 70 comprises a downwardly protruding rotator stop 77 adapted tointeract with the stop blocks 51 disposed on either side of the funnelaperture 54 to limit rotation of the divider 70 around the central axle60.

The divider 70 also comprises at least one measuring chamber duct 75defining a predetermined volume. The divider 70 can alternativelycomprise a plurality of measuring chamber ducts, each defining adifferent predetermined volume. In certain embodiments, a predeterminedvolume is equal to a single dose or single recommended serving for thesubstance to be measured and dispensed. For example, the internal volumedefined by a measuring chamber duct can equal a single dose or singleserving recommended for a particular brand of baby formula. Themeasuring chamber duct(s) can take any suitable shape, including that ofa cylinder, ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle, ovoid etc. In someembodiments, a measuring chamber duct 75 has a cross section with thesame shape as the funnel aperture 54.

The divider 70 is circumscribed by an external rim 71 that in someembodiments, protrudes beyond and overlaps the respective edges of theperimeter wall 66 of the container 50 and the proximal end piece 80. Theexternal rim 71 can be adapted to be grasped by a user during useincluding. For example, in certain embodiments, the external rim 71 isconfigured with a radially extending handhold, tab, knob, grip or thelike 72 adapted to facilitate one-handed rotation of the divider 70around the central axle 60 and thus operational alignment of a measuringchamber duct 75 with the funnel aperture 54 and dispensing spout 85. Inone embodiment, the tab 72 extends from the external rim 71 at a pointradial from a measuring chamber duct 75 relative to the central axis 65.As shown in FIG. 22, the divider can also have one or more optionalinternal support structure(s) 78 between the external rim 71 and theaxle port 76. The support structure(s) can be walls, pillars or someother vertically supportive shape. The support structure(s) are the sameheight as the measuring chamber duct 75 to provide additional verticalsupport underneath the proximal end piece 80. In an embodiment having asingle additional support structure 78, the support structure can be acircular wall around the axle port 76 and can also interconnect with themeasuring chamber duct 75.

The divider 70 can comprise indicia or labels indicating the locationand/or volume of a given measuring chamber duct 75 in the divider. Theindicia can be positioned on the exterior rim 71 of the divider 70 tocompliment indicia present on the container 50 or the proximal end piece80 to indicate when a given measuring chamber duct 75 is in operationalalignment with the funnel aperture 54 and the dispensing spout 85. Inone embodiment, the indicia is a handhold, tab, knob or grip 72. Forexample, a tab 72 can indicate when a measuring chamber duct 75 isrotated into vertical alignment with the dispensing spout 85 by aligningwith indicia 52 on the side of the container 50 that corresponds to thelocation of the spout. The use of physical, tactile indicia allows auser to operate the dispenser 100 when the user is looking elsewhere. Insome embodiments, a tab 72 or indicia on the external rim 71 facilitatesselection and dispensation by a user of a desired amount of substanceaccording to indicia or labels on the exterior of the container 50 orthe surface of the proximal end piece 80. In some embodiments, theexterior rim 71 may be marked or labeled to indicate whether a measuringchamber duct 75 is in operational alignment with the funnel aperture 54or spout 85. In one embodiment, the indicia are legible from either aninverted or upright position.

The proximal end piece 80 is a thin, generally flat disk that comprisesa closeable dispensing spout 85 as described above. In some embodiments,the proximal end piece 80 further comprises a circular or non-circularaxle hole 86 through which the central axle 60 protrudes, and at leastone surface feature configured to interface with a retaining memberdisposed on its external surface. For example, retaining bracketguiderails 81, 82, can be disposed on each side of the axle hole 86. Theretaining bracket guiderails 81, 82 are adapted to slidably engage aretaining bracket 90 as described below. In some embodiments, the axlehole 86 has a shape that generally corresponds to a shape defined by thesilhouette of the anchor portion 62 and lock tabs 63, 64 of the centralaxle 60. In this way, the shape of the axle hole 86 prevents theproximal end piece 80 from rotating relative to the central axle 60 andthe funnel aperture 54. In other embodiments, the axle hole 86 has ashape that generally corresponds to the portion of the central axlewhich extends through the end piece. In one embodiment, the proximal endpiece 80 further comprises a downwardly extending stabilizing wall 84configured to fit into and free rotate within the external rim 71 of thedivider 70.

A retaining member is any device, such as a clip or screw, that caninterface with the axle to hold the various components of the devicetogether. In some embodiments, the retaining member can be a retainingbracket 90. The retaining bracket 90 is a generally thin, flat clipadapted to slide into a track defined by the retaining bracketguiderails 81, 82 and engage the locking tabs 63, 64 extending from theanchor portion 62 of the central axle 60 when the dispenser 100 is fullyassembled. More specifically, the retaining bracket 90 comprises twodownwardly extending generally L-shaped wings 91, 92 on its undersidethat are designed to wrap around the underside of the lock tabs 63, 64extending radially from the anchor portion 62 of the central axle 60.Once engaged with the lock tabs 63, 64, the wings 91, 92 substantiallycontact the flat sides of the anchor portion 62 of the axle to preventthe axle and the lock tabs 63, 64 from turning and disengaging thebracket 90. The bracket 90 is also held in place on the proximal endpiece 80 by the retaining bracket guiderails 81, 82. In this way, theretaining bracket 90 holds together the reusable storage container 50,divider 70 and proximal end piece 80. The rear portion of the retainingbracket 90 facing away from the dispensing spout 85 disposed on theproximal end piece 80 can comprise a releasable catch 93 adapted toengage a detent 83 or other suitable complimentary geometry on thesurface of the proximal end piece 80 between the guiderails 81, 82 toreleasably lock the bracket 90 in place and hold the assembledcomponents of the dispenser 100 together. In some embodiments, theretaining bracket 90 itself is generally L-shaped.

In additional embodiments, the retaining member or bracket 90 comprisesan integral dispensing spout cap 95 adapted to releasably close, coverand seal the dispensing spout 85. The cap 95 can be attached to theretaining bracket 90 by a hinge or any other suitable means. In oneembodiment, the dispensing spout cap 95 is hingedly attached to theretaining bracket 90 and, when the retaining bracket 90 is fully engagedto the lock tabs 63, 64 of the central axle 60, helps to lock thebracket 90 in place on the central axle 60. As shown in FIG. 21, thebracket 90 can have ergonomically shaped fingerholds 96. As shown inFIG. 21, the fingerholds 96 can be butterfly-shaped or some other shapethat provides a suitable grip for a user to hold the bracket 90 andslide it horizontally away from the spout 85 when disassembling thedispenser and measuring cap device 1.

As shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19, the lower portion of the reusablestorage container 50 comprises a closeable opening or mouth for fillingthe container with a substance to be portioned and dispensed. In someembodiments, the container 50 also comprises a removable lid 55configured and adapted to releasably yet sealingly engage the opening ormouth in the bottom of the reusable storage container 50. Suitable meansfor sealably engaging (i.e., attaching) the lid 55 with the opening ormouth of the container 50 include, for example, screw threads, latches,insets, snaps, clips, tape, adhesive, nesting diameter, interlockingcomplementary geometry and the like.

In some embodiments the bottom surface of the removable container lid 55is configured with means to allow a user to easily and quickly grasp andoperate the lid. In one embodiment, the lid 55 is configured with one ormore shallow troughs 56 separated by an intervening wall 57. The troughs56 are adapted to give purchase to a user's thumb and fingers while auser grasps the intervening wall 57 to engage or disengage the lid 55from the container mouth. In additional embodiments, the interiorsurface of the lid 55 comprises means for holding an assembled dispenser100 upside-down or in an inverted position while a user refills thecontainer 50 with a substance to be portioned and dispensed. In someembodiments, the means comprises upwardly protruding geometry configuredto receive and hold a dispenser 100 disclosed herein in an upside-downor inverted position. In one example illustrated by FIGS. 18-20, theinterior surface of the container lid 55 comprises means to receive adivider tab 59 and means to stabilize a dispenser 58 while the dispenser100 is inverted. In one embodiment, the interior surface of the lid 55comprises a saddle 59 for receiving the a tab 72 extending radially fromthe exterior rim 71 of a divider 72 and a long flat brace 58perpendicular thereto, the brace 58 having a uniform height for engagingthe exterior surface of the proximal end piece 80 and stabilizing thedispenser 100 in an inverted position while a user refills the reusablestorage container. In this way, the lid 55 serves as a dispenser standfor holding a dispenser upside down when a user needs to fill thereusable storage container 50. As shown in FIG. 23, in one embodiment,the lid 55 has support members 59 a protruding from one side of the lid55, which can be shaped to receive the dispensing spout 85 and theretaining bracket 90. These support members 59 a stabilize the inverteddispenser 100 when it is being filled while also minimizing the amountof dirt or other contaminants that fall on the lid from above.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in one embodiment, the empty device can bedisassembled by releasing the catch 93, and removing the retainingbracket 90 from the locking brackets 63, 64 on the central axle 60. Theproximal end piece 80 and the divider 70 can then be removed by slidingthem off of the central axle 60. Finally, in one embodiment, theremovable container lid 55 can be removed by unscrewing it from thecontainer 50. In this way, the device can easily be disassembled forcleaning, such as, for example, in a dishwasher. Also as shown in FIGS.15 and 16, in one embodiment, the central axle 60 and the axle hole 86are asymmetrically shaped so that the device can only be reassembled inone intended orientation. In one embodiment, the device is reassembledby sliding the divider 70 on the central axle 60 followed by sliding theproximal end piece 80 on the central axle 60. The retaining bracket 90is then attached to the central axle 60 at the locking brackets 63, 64to secure the proximal end piece 80 and divider 70 on the device.Finally, in an embodiment with a container 50, the removable containerlid 55 is screwed on the container 50.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

Any capitalized and/or defined terms appearing in the specificationinclude all variants, and singular and/or plural versions of the termsused herein and are not intended to be limiting or comprehensive, butmerely to provide reference tools for understanding the invention. Theuse of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing an invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., “including, but notlimited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges as valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) herein,is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not posea limitation on the scope of the invention (i.e., “such as, but notlimited to,”) unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specificationshould be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element isessential to the practice of the invention.

It is to be understood that the specific devices and/or processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the foregoingspecification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variationsof those preferred embodiments will be apparent to those having ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and viewing theappended drawings. The inventors expect that skilled artisans willemploy such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for theinvention to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.Accordingly, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents ofthe subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted byapplicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedelements in all possible variations hereof is encompassed by theinvention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

While the disclosure above sets forth the principles of the presentinvention, with the examples given for illustration only, one shouldrealize that the use of the present invention includes all usualvariations, adaptations and/or modifications within the scope of theclaims attached as well as equivalents thereof. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate from the foregoing that various adaptations andmodifications of the just described embodiments can be configuredwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore,it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims,the invention may be practiced other than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A measuring and dispensing device, comprising: a) an end piece having a dispensing aperture; b) a rotatable divider comprising: i) a duct defining a volume, and ii) an exterior surface configured to be manipulated by a user; c) a storage container comprising: i) a first end comprising a funnel that resolves into a funnel aperture, ii) a second end comprising a container opening; iii) an axle extending through said divider and said end piece; and d) a retaining member configured to releasably connect with said axle and hold said divider and said end piece on said axle; wherein said duct is disposed between said end piece and said storage container, and is rotatable between a first position in operational alignment with said funnel aperture and a second position in operational alignment with said dispensing aperture, and wherein said exterior surface extends beyond an edge of each of said end piece and said container.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said end piece further comprises at least one surface feature configured to interface with said retaining member.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said retaining member is a retaining bracket configured to releasably interface with said anchor portion and said at least one surface feature to hold said divider and said end piece on said axle.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the bracket further comprises ergonomically shaped fingerholds.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said container further comprises a removable lid configured to close said container opening.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said removable lid further comprises support members configured to hold said storage container in an inverted position.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said exterior surface comprises a handhold tab.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said rotatable divider further comprises internal support structures.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said divider further comprises a rotator stop configured to facilitate operational alignment of said duct with said funnel aperture and said dispensing aperture.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said first end further comprises one or more stop blocks disposed about said funnel aperture.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein said divider further comprises indicia indicating the volume or location of said duct relative to said exterior surface.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein one or both of said divider and said storage container further comprises indicia indicating operational alignment of said duct with said funnel aperture.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein said divider comprises: a plurality of ducts, each defining a different volume, and indicia indicating the volume and location of each duct in said divider to enable a user to select a duct to measure and dispense a desired amount of a substance from said storage container.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein a cross section of each of said dispensing aperture, said funnel aperture and said duct is approximately the same shape.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein said duct is closed on a proximal end when said duct is not in operational alignment with said dispensing aperture.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein said duct is closed on a distal end when said duct is not in operational alignment with said funnel aperture.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein said funnel aperture is closed when said duct is not in operational alignment with said funnel aperture.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein said dispensing aperture is closed when said duct is not in operational alignment with said dispensing spout.
 19. A device for measuring and dispensing a substance, comprising: a) an end piece configured with a dispensing aperture, b) an interface configured to receive a storage container, said interface comprising a funnel that resolves into a funnel aperture; c) a divider disposed between said proximal end piece and said interface, said divider being rotatable relative to said end piece and said interface, said divider comprising: i) at least one duct defining a volume, and ii) an exterior surface adapted to be manipulated by a user that extends beyond at least a portion of a respective edge of each of said end piece and said interface; d) an axle connecting said end piece, said divider and said interface; wherein said duct is rotatable between a first position in operational alignment with said funnel aperture and a second position in operational alignment with said dispensing aperture, and wherein said dispensing aperture and said funnel aperture are not rotatable relative to each other.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein said rotatable divider further comprises internal support structures.
 21. The device of claim 19, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to connect to said axle to hold said divider and said end piece on said axle.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the bracket further comprises ergonomically shaped fingerholds. 